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a little bit of this and that

We’ll call this post a hodgepodge of my thoughts and observations, some cute pictures of my kids, answers to a couple of questions and a new button.

First up, my kids:

Audrey-girl can now sit up.

Ryan says she looks like she has a garter belt on her head. Don’t worry, she doesn’t.

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It makes me happy that 1. my kids like to be together and 2. they like craft projects.

{and for good measure} 3. that #3 carries a sword with him at all times.

Oh, no, baby girl. Those are not for you!

I also like that they like books.

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I have a red horse on my desk and it makes me smile.

Here is how it got that way:

Easy. Weird. But I like it. And my kids didn’t play with it anyway so now it is mine.

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I’m not sure how they’ve missed it, but we put a gigantic ship ladder in our living room and the boy’s haven’t tried to climb it. Yet.

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I hung my book page wreath on the front door and it’s covered in little fruit flies.

See those little black things? Eewww. I don’t like fruit flies. And I don’t understand why they are nesting on my book page wreath. Every time I open the front door, a few make their way into our house and I definitely don’t like that.

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A few of you asked questions about Audrey’s room.

The striped fabric is actually a Potterybarn bedskirt that I purchased on ebay for $12. I cut it up to make the crib skirt and used the extra fabric to make a pillow & cover the lampshade.

The yellow flower is literally bunched up silk with some stitches in the back to hold it together.

The ‘wallpaper’ is flat gift wrap from Caskata. I applied wallpaper paste to the back side of the paper with a paint roller, then pressed it onto the walls. The pattern does not repeat perfectly, so you can see where one sheet ends and the next begins, but only if you look hard enough. What is it with me and fake wallpaper? One of these days I’ll use the real stuff.

I made the bumper using linen curtains from ikea. The sheet is a yard of fabric tucked under the mattress. It is Patricia Bravo French Riviera Damask in slate, but I can’t seem to find it on the internet, so maybe it is discontinued. That would be a tragedy because it is lovely fabric. I didn’t notice the little crowns on it at first, but I love their subtlety – especially since Audrey’s name means ‘Noble Ruler’.

And just to round out the randomness that is this post, I’ll get serious on you for a minute.

The post I wrote yesterday was a big step for me. It is hard to write so openly about your faith – basically giving anyone the opportunity to bash you or boycott you. But I knew it was what I needed to write and I am so thankful that it seemed to be something you needed to hear! I am so appreciative of your encouragement through comments and emails – it just reminds me that what I’m doing and saying is making an impact, however small or large it may be.

I created a button to add to my sidebar as a reminder to simply be the girl I was created to be. If you’d like to join me, you are welcome to add it to your blog as well. You can either link it back to the original post, or not.

We can have our own little ‘twirl’ club. Except, of course, everyone is welcome!

I have said this before and will continue to say it, I love your site! I have a question…do you have any ideas on how to make your own black profile picture? EX: Under your “Rug” photos, the 1st picture with the aqua chair. You have the head cut outs of the children. My mom had ours done when we were little and I want one for my son. Sorry, for some reason the actual name of those, has left my mind! :O) Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I’d love to know how you made the ledge around your garage to display your work. Love your house and colors. I too am a pale skinned redhead(dyed blonde) who loves wearing blue jeans with navy and gray! Our styles in decor are very much a like so thanks for the kick in the butt to keep finishing our home room by room.

I think we, especially as women, often need to be reminded to “twirl”. I love how you so beautifully described it. It was so simple, but eloquent at the same time. That is a beautiful verse. Thanks for making the button…it will serve as a wonderful reminder of who I am, and who I can be, before my God that loves me. I added it to my blog and linked it.

What a blessing your post and response email was yesterday. I’m adding this button to my blog right now. I think I may print it out as well to post at work for that daily reminder. Thanks sweet friend, your words have touched so many, I can tell this is only the beginning!

thank you again emily for sharing your faith, and truly how a simple and beautiful thing it is. I believe this is how we were created to share of our faith.. through the way we live our lives and how we share ~ openly and honestly.

That’s seriously one of the best posts I’ve read in a long, long time, so I’m excited to link it up on my new blog I just started:) It totally did my heart some good on a real, spiritual level, plus it inspired me to watch my favorite movie, You’ve Got Mail…you know how she used to twirl with her momma in the store? Love it!! Anyway, thanks for all the wonderful inspiration you provide, whether it be design-related, faith-related, or whatever…you really have become my favorite blog on my reader!

Add me to the list of those encouraged by your post yesterday. As a woman, mother, wife, daughter, friend etc. I often feel like I am not living up to expectations. One of my worst habits is to focus constantly on how to improve and never reflect on who God has made me to be, in this moment. Thanks for the reminder that God loves me just as I am and it is time to “twirl.” I love it!

~Heather

PS My 2 young daughters are about to move into a room together and I am getting all sorts of wonderful inspiration form Audrey’s nursery. I love what I see as your sense of style (simple mixed with interesting, vintage pretty, soft color) I hope my girls’ room is half as beautiful.

Thanks for sharing where you found the rug… I was hoping you weren’t going to say Ikea because it’s been out of stock forever! I’ll just have to keep checking, but thanks anyway. BTW- Love the twirl button. :)

Though I didn’t comment on yesterday’s post, I thought about it all night. I’ve been reflecting on my 30th year on earth (ahhh!), some not so fun stuff that’s gone on the past few years, who I am, and who God wants me to be…so needless to say your post resonated with me a lot – thank you for writing it! This year’s theme: twirl. I love it.

Love the horse, can’t believe they haven’t discovered the ladder, and fruit flies, ugh. Try putting a half cup apple cider vinegar in a glass with a couple drops of dish soap and leave it out where the flies are. They gravitate towards it, and they are gone! A neighbor told me this tip when I hosted a Ladies Night Out at my house and the flies started multiplying right before our eyes, it was terrible! Janell

i’m glad you shared about your faith. where i am from (CA) and in my profession people want you to hide your love of God and not talk about it. it is refreshing when i hear / read of people sharing their love of God. makes it easier for the rest of us. thank you :) your site is lovely and you seem to be a lovely person as well. God bless you and your family.